literary canon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "literary canon" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a collection of literary works that are considered to be the most important and influential in a particular genre or time period. Example: The works of William Shakespeare, such as "Hamlet" and "Romeo and Juliet," are considered fundamental to the literary canon of English drama.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The literary canon according to Urban Dictionary.

The New Yorker

He also looked for clues in the Russian literary canon.

The New Yorker

Her place in the literary canon is assured; she cannot be eclipsed by another tragic heroine.

The New York Times - Books

A new series plans to print the literary canon as graphic novels.

The New Yorker

Female writers were footnotes to the literary canon as taught in most colleges, she added.

The New York Times

The Tavianis have a long history of adapting works from the Western literary canon.

The New York Times

However, some highly worthy additions to the literary canon also sold well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Or is this a reflection of the dominance of the male hero in the literary canon?

The New Yorker

There is something quite unseemly about the notion of skimming over the literary canon.

The Guardian - Books

How, then, did it evolve a literary canon crammed with tales of love between men?

The New York Times - Books

The perplexing page is one of the abiding puzzles of the English literary canon.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "literary canon", be specific about the culture, region, or time period to which it refers. This avoids generalizations and provides a clearer understanding of the context.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "literary canon" is universally agreed upon or static. Acknowledge that it is subject to debate, re-evaluation, and expansion as cultural perspectives evolve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "literary canon" functions as a noun phrase identifying a collection of literary works considered the most important and influential within a specific culture, language, or period. Ludwig confirms the accuracy and common usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "literary canon" is a well-established and commonly used term to describe a collection of literary works considered the most important and influential within a specific cultural or linguistic tradition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in diverse contexts, primarily News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. When using the phrase, be mindful of its potential to be perceived as exclusive or biased, and specify which tradition or culture you are referring to. Consider alternatives like "accepted works of literature" or "classic literature" depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accepted works of literature

Focuses on the acceptance and recognition of the works.

established literary works

Highlights the established and recognized status of literary pieces.

classic literature

Emphasizes the traditional and enduring nature of the works.

major literary achievements

Focuses on the significant accomplishments in literature.

significant literary works

Highlights the importance and impact of the literary pieces.

esteemed literary heritage

Focuses on the valued and respected literary legacy.

recognized literary standards

Emphasizes the standards and benchmarks in literature.

landmark literary creations

Highlights the groundbreaking and influential nature of the works.

cornerstones of literature

Focuses on the foundational and essential aspects of literary works.

defining literary texts

Highlights the texts that shape and define a literary tradition.

FAQs

How is the "literary canon" determined?

The "literary canon" is shaped by critics, academics, and cultural forces, involving selections of works deemed most influential or representative of a specific literary tradition. This process is subjective and can change over time as new voices and perspectives emerge.

Why is the "literary canon" often debated?

The "literary canon" is often debated due to concerns about representation, inclusion, and the potential marginalization of diverse voices. Discussions typically focus on expanding it to reflect a broader range of cultural experiences.

What role does the "literary canon" play in education?

The "literary canon" serves as a foundation for literary studies, providing students with a shared cultural and intellectual heritage. However, educators often supplement it with works that offer alternative perspectives and challenge traditional norms.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "literary canon"?

Alternatives include using phrases like "accepted works of literature", "classic literature", or "significant literary works" depending on the specific context.